4 ms·
Scraping is not an intended purpose for most websites. Unless the website specifically states that this is an intended function, it is not reasonable to assume
by bottled_poe 9y ago
Scraping is not an intended purpose for most websites. Unless the website specifically states that this is an intended function, it is not reasonable to assume so. In fact it may be in violation of the terms and conditions of the given website.
- kevin_thibedeau 9y agoI don't intend people named Steve to access my open site so I can sue all Steve's for their felonious behavior?
- nostrademons 9y agoIf the law assumed that only intended functions are permissible, innovation would be a crime. By definition, innovation is finding new and unforeseen uses for resources.
- blowski 9y agoYou both make good points. If you make the law too strict you punish reasonable uses of the website, like scraping a few publicly available pages to help users. If you make it too lenient you permit DOS attacks. It’s not easy to craft a law that will punish bad behaviour without blocking innovation.